The Socio-Economic Surveys conducted by NSSO are in the form of Rounds, each round being normally of one-year duration though conducted occasionally for a period of six months. The subject coverage of SE inquiries for different rounds is decided on the basis of a 10 year time frame. In this cycle, 1 year is devoted to Land and Livestock Holdings, Debt and Investment; 1 year to Social Consumption (education and health care, etc.), 2 years to quinquennial surveys on household consumer expenditure, employment & un-employment situation and 4 years to non- agricultural enterprises, namely, manufacturing, trade and services in un-organized sector.

The remaining 2 years are for open rounds in which subjects of current/special interest on the demand of Central Ministries, State Governments and research organizations are covered.

The rural areas such as (i) interior villages of Nagaland situated beyond five kilometers of the bus route and (ii) villages in Andaman & Nicobar Islands which remain inaccessible throughout year were excluded from coverage of socio-economic survey up till 68th Round of NSS(July 2011-June 2012). Henceforth i.e. from 69th Round onward, the Socio-Economic Survey covers the whole of the Indian Union.

All the States and Union Territories except Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh and Lakshadweep participate at least on an equal matching basis. Well qualified and trained Investigators of NSSO and the State Governments collect information through enquiry method, using the same methodology & schedules that are specially designed for the survey.